As we come
to the end of Acts and yes the end of the Apostle Paul’s
ministry, we see quite the opposite of our current “prosperity
gospel” that promises health and wealth in this life as the
necessary proof of a living faith. This of course does not square
with Jesus teaching that “in the world you will have
tribulation” and the clear imperative that we must take up our
cross and follow Him. (John 16:33; Matt. 10:38; 16:24) Paul never
preached an erroneous health and wealth gospel or ‘your best
life now’ or ‘become a better you.’ No, there was
trial, suffering, and shipwreck. (I Peter 1:6, 7)